The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) achieved a significant victory in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections for 2026, securing three out of the four crucial posts. The student wing, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), successfully retained the highly coveted President's seat, reaffirming its strong presence within the university's student politics.
ABVP candidates emerged triumphant in the contests for President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary. This outcome underscores the organization's continued influence and organizational strength within one of India's largest and most politically active university student bodies. The DUSU elections are often seen as a barometer of youth sentiment and a platform for emerging political talent.
A notable development in this year's results was the victory of independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen, who secured the Vice President's post. Shokeen's win prevents a complete sweep by established student political organizations and highlights a diverse mandate from the student electorate. His success as an independent candidate adds a unique dynamic to the DUSU leadership for the upcoming term.
The DUSU elections are keenly observed across the country, not only for their immediate impact on campus governance but also for their potential to shape future political landscapes. The results reflect a blend of continuity with established student groups maintaining power and a notable breakthrough for an independent voice.
What to watch: The operational dynamics between the ABVP-dominated executive and the independent Vice President.
Congress slams IIM Jammu for fining students absent from PM’s birthday event
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party after issuing a notice threatening to fine students absent from an event celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The controversy centers on a 'Deepak Lighting Ceremony' held on September 17, which the institute had deemed mandatory for student attendance.
According to the notice, students who failed to participate in the event, organized to mark the Prime Minister's birthday, would face a penalty of ₹500. This fine would be imposed unless students provided a satisfactory explanation for their absence. The directive has sparked a debate over the appropriateness of mandating attendance for politically-linked events within academic institutions.
The Congress party swiftly condemned IIM Jammu's action, arguing that such mandates infringe upon students' autonomy and transform educational spaces into venues for political activities. Critics suggest that requiring participation in events celebrating political leaders can compromise the neutral and inclusive environment expected of premier educational bodies.
The incident highlights broader questions about the politicization of educational institutions and the boundaries between academic freedom and institutional directives. The imposition of fines for non-attendance at a non-academic event has raised concerns among student bodies and political observers alike.
What to watch: The institute's response to the criticism and potential withdrawal or modification of the fine.
NATIONAL · News18 India · editor 8/10 fact-checked
India Rejects US Tariff Pressure, Cites National Interest in Energy Policy
India has firmly rejected pressure from the United States regarding tariffs linked to the purchase of Russian oil, reiterating that its foreign policy decisions are guided solely by national interests. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed the issue during a recent interview, emphasizing India's independent stance on global geopolitical matters.
Singh stated that India does not make decisions based on the dictates of other countries. In response to questions about the new US sanctions legislation targeting Russian energy exports, he described the imposed tariffs as unfair. The minister stressed that the primary priority for the Indian government remains the welfare and economic security of its people, rather than aligning with external geopolitical pressures.
The US has recently introduced legislative measures aimed at penalizing countries that continue to import Russian energy products, a move intended to isolate Russia economically. India, a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, has maintained that its energy imports are driven by market dynamics and the need to keep domestic fuel prices stable. The government has consistently argued that it is a sovereign nation and will not be coerced into altering its trade policies.
This diplomatic friction highlights the complex balancing act India is performing between its strategic partnership with the US and its energy security needs. While the US seeks to tighten its sanctions net, India continues to prioritize its domestic economic stability.
What to watch: Diplomatic negotiations between New Delhi and Washington to resolve the tariff dispute without escalating tensions.
NATIONAL · News18 India · editor 10/10 fact-checked
J&K Police Bust ISI-Linked Digital Spy Network in Kathua
Jammu and Kashmir Police have successfully dismantled a digital espionage network allegedly operated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the Kathua district. The operation led to the arrest of a 24-year-old truck driver who is suspected of being a key operative in the network.
According to investigative reports, the suspect was reportedly recruited through 'honey-trapping' techniques. Once established, the operative was provided with specialized hardware to facilitate digital spying operations. This equipment was intended to collect sensitive information and transmit it back to handlers in Pakistan.
The police investigation suggests that the network utilized a combination of psychological manipulation and sophisticated hardware to bypass local security measures. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the region's ongoing efforts to counter cross-border digital threats and intelligence gathering.
Authorities are currently analyzing the seized hardware and digital devices to determine the full extent of the data breach and to identify any other potential accomplices involved in the ring. The investigation remains ongoing as security agencies intensify their surveillance of digital communication channels in the area.
What to watch: The extent of the data compromised and whether additional sleeper cells are identified through forensic analysis.
NATIONAL · India Today · editor 10/10 fact-checked
Delhi Election Commission Serves Notice to Arvind Kejriwal and Family Under SIR Process
The Delhi Election Commission has officially served a notice to Arvind Kejriwal and members of his family under the Special Investigation Report (SIR) process. This legal step follows recent administrative reviews regarding electoral compliance and procedural standards.
The notice marks a significant development in the ongoing regulatory oversight of political activities in the capital. While the specific details regarding the nature of the inquiry remain under strict administrative protocol, the use of the SIR process indicates a formal investigation into documented irregularities or required clarifications.
Legal experts note that the SIR process is a structured mechanism used by the commission to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral laws. The involvement of family members suggests that the scope of the inquiry may extend to resources or communications associated with the Kejriwal household.
Representatives for the political leadership have not yet issued a comprehensive formal response to the specific allegations contained within the notice. The commission is expected to follow up with further hearings as the investigation progresses.
What to watch: The formal response from Kejriwal's legal team and whether the SIR process leads to formal electoral sanctions.
Vals AI Seeks to Establish New Gold Standard for AI Benchmarking
Vals AI, a startup backed by the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, is launching an ambitious initiative to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence benchmarking. The company aims to provide a neutral and trustworthy resource for evaluating AI models.
As the market becomes increasingly saturated with diverse and rapidly evolving AI models, the industry faces a growing challenge in accurately measuring performance and capability. Current benchmarking methods often face criticism for being biased or failing to capture the nuances of real-world utility.
Vals intends to address these issues by developing a standardized framework that prioritizes objectivity. By providing a reliable yardstick, the company hopes to help developers, investors, and enterprises distinguish between genuine technological advancements and marketing hype.
The goal is to move beyond static tests toward a more dynamic assessment model that reflects the complexities of modern large language models and generative AI systems. This push for transparency is seen as a critical step for the long-term stability of the AI sector.
What to watch: How the industry responds to Vals' benchmarks and whether they gain widespread adoption among major AI developers.